Ramshaw Continues to Strengthen Badgers

The recent heavy rain, combined with the threat of even more to come, has forced Baris Northern Counties East.....

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Published 5th July 2012

Dean Meikle

....League side Arnold Town to cancel their pre-season friendly with Evo-Stik Northern Premeir League Premier Division new boys Eastwood Town.

The game was due to kick off at 5pm on Saturday but after an extended inspection by Arnold's groundsman it was decided the fixture was no longer viable.

"Unfortunately the heavy rain has meant Arnold Town have been unable to work on the pitch for a number of days and at the present time it is unplayable", said Badgers boss John Ramshaw. "After extended phone calls with their chairman Roy Francis and new manager Gary Hayward we mutually decided to call the game off sooner rather than later."

Fortunately the game against Quorn FC goes ahead. Said Ramshaw: "The playing surface at Quorn would not be out of place in the Premier League and I envisgae no problems with this game at all."

Ramshaw is expecting a tough opener to the Badger's pre-season games. "Although Quorn were relegated from the NPL last season they have invested heavily in new players. They are expected to be front runners in the ChromaSport & Trophies United Counties League this season and as such I expect a tough challenge!"

After another impressive pre-season training session attended by around thirty players, Ramshaw has announced the signings of Deon Meikle from Belper Town, Joe Ward from Shepshed Dynamo and Michael Evans from Central Midlands League side Clifton All Whites.

Meikle, a left-sided midfielder or centre back, needs no introduction to the Coronation Park faithful. "Deon was a key player in both the side that won promotion from the NPL Division One and the one that reached the NPL Premier Division play-offs," said the Badgers` boss. "And I am delighted to have him back 'home'."

Ward is a competitive midfield player who Ramshaw claims will be the type needed in a very physical league. "Wardy can not only play but he will put a foot in when needed. His season last year was plagued by injury but he is raring to go and establish himself at this level of football."

Evans, a prolific striker for Notts Senior Cup Final opponents Clifton, has really caught the eye in pre-season training.

Ramshaw added: "Evo has been a prolific scorer for Clifton and although he is coming from a lower standard of football, he has worked hard on his fitness and has looked really sharp in pre-season. He has a good work ethic, a good attitude and I am really looking forward to working with him." Ramshaw's squad is now almost finalised. "I have two more players whom I want to sign the dotted line and then it will be a case of letting them sort out who is going to wear the Eastwood Town shirt come August 18th.

“I know that I have been criticised by certain quarters for signing players in what are proving to be uncertain times for the club, but the alternative was to do nothing and wait and see what happened. If I had done that we would be going into the season with no players at all! If at the end of the day, new owners come in and I am informed my services are no longer required by Eastwood Town then at least I know I have done everything within my power to keep this club going. It is easy to sit behind a keyboard and criticise, a lot harder to try to put things right!

“I think I have assembled a good, honest squad of players who will fall within the financial constraints set by the owner - now we just need everyone to get behind them and make them realise what an honour it is to be a Badger!"